Sir Bobby Robson Trophy: A Fitting Tribute

A big well done to all those concerned in making the Sir Bobby Robson Trophy the success it was. With 33,000 fans in attendance, the two teams really giving it a good go against each other and a smattering of Geordie heroes, it really was a real heartwarming occasion.

To sum up the sad state of affairs we're in as a club at the moment, I'd probably take Shearer as a player right now given how well he ran the channels. In fact both him and Les could have probably put four or five past our Orient defence on Saturday.

Nevertheless, despite the Shearer subtext the media played on, the night was about one man and Sir Bobby seemed genuinely moved with the reception. As he sat intently watching Al roll back the years, it was heartbreaking to see an idol of mine feeling his age when he previously had been the equivalent of a Saga poster boy. When Nessun Dorma came on I challenge anyone to not have been moved.

All in all, a great night's work for charity and hopefully it can become a regular event.